FAQs
Perfume Workshops
How long is the workshop?
We allow 2.5 hours for your workshop to ensure you are not rushed, some classes will be faster and some may go slightly over the time depending on how fast our participants are at choosing their materials. We keep the classes running as a group to ensure you don't miss any stages so please be considerate to other workshop members and try not to overthink your fragrance as we work through.
Can I bring a friend to watch my perfume workshop?
Making a perfume is a very personal experience, we all have different preferences based on our experiences and emotional responses to fragrance, you will be choosing all the materials that you enjoy. If you bring a friend, as well meaning as they are they will have an opinion on your creation which is based on their experiences and emotional responses which will be different from yours. This can create confusion and you creating something your friend likes rather than your dream fragrance.
- The short answer is no but we will assess on a case by case basis if required.
- Workshops are often fully booked so we don't have the physical space to accomodate extra people.
Can I create a perfume that has been discontinued?
The short answer is no… It is very hard to replicate perfumes even if we have a list of all of the notes we won’t know exact ratios. We may also have a different type of Rose than they used and that can make all the difference. The main reason most perfumes are discontinued is because a specific ingredient is no longer allowed to be used - fragrance regulations are constantly changing. It’s great to be inspired by your favourite scent but our workshops are about creating the perfect thing for you!
Cancellation Policy
We know life happens and sometimes you need to reschedule, however we would love you to experience your perfume workshop at a future date so we are happy to reschedule you to another time.
We do require at least 48 hours notice for reschedules as our classes book up in advance and we may not be able to refill your spot at short notice.
If you test positive for Covid the day before or day of your workshop we are also happy to reschedule for you. Tickets are non refundable but we will happily reschedule you.
If you are a no-show for your class no refunds will be given as we had reserved that spot for you. If you really are unable to reschedule to a suitable time we may on a case by case basis offer you product redemption instead.
Is it vegan?
All of the perfume workshop materials are vegan. Some of the things we sell in the shop do contain honey. Here at Miller Road we don’t test on animals.
Is it natural?
Some things are, some aren’t. We think a mix of synthetic and natural is best. We use the safest and highest quality products available. Sometimes synthetic products are better for the environment, for animals and for your skin. Eg. paraffin wax although natural is derived from harmful substances like coal and petroleum.
Can I use my voucher in Devonport & Queenstown?
Absolutely, vouchers are redeemable for both of our perfume workshop locations.
My voucher is close to expiring or has expired?
No problem, we want everyone to experience their perfume workshops so we will happily extend expiry dates. If your voucher has expired we will need to book you in manually as the booking system wont register your code. Choose a date on our schedule and email us at devonport@millerroad.co.nz or queenstown@millerroad.co.nz
Candles
Is Soy wax safe?
Soy wax is completely natural, clean burning and non-toxic. Made from renewable resources, it produces significantly less soot than alternatives and it is perfectly safe around children and pets. Soy candles last three times longer than petroleum-based candles, have an incredible scent throw, and virtually no black soot (which means no black walls!), as long as you keep the wicks trimmed!
Why is there wet oil on top of my candle?
This is called "Soy Sweat". Since soybean wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, it can release excess moisture that it cannot hold (usually due to extreme temperature changes from shipping - i.e. going from hot trucks to air-conditioned environment, or going from cold trucks in the winter to heated stores). You can leave it or wipe it out with a tissue or paper towel. Sweat from soy candles will NOT affect the burn quality and will generally not show up again after your first burn. For optimum performance of soy candles, please store in a cool area out of direct sunlight. Since our soy candles are highly scented they are more likely to sweat when warmed during shipping.
Why is there sometimes frost (cauliflower bursts) in soy candles?
Soy wax is a natural substance that has its own natural traits. Natural wax often produces a frosted look similar to "mottling" or what some call "star-bursts" or "cauliflower". The natural vegetable base is much like chocolate, and reacts like chocolate when warmed and cooled. This is a natural characteristic and should not be considered a flaw. We want to keep the pureness of soybean wax, therefore our soy candles do not contain chemicals to prohibit this effect.
How should I store my soy candle?
Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Will my soy candle produce black soot?
If burned properly, soy wax candles are virtually soot free, and soy wax in and of itself is soot free! However, natural cotton wicks will smoke if not burned properly, or if the wicks are never trimmed. The production of candle soot can also be minimised in the following ways: Trim the wick before every use to promote proper flame height, place the candle away from drafty areas to avoid flame flickering, and ensure that the wax pool is free of debris. Please follow the burning instructions located on the bottom of your soy candles container, and follow our Burn Rules below.
Are the wicks supposed to bend over when they are burning?
We use natural High-Temperature Paper (HTP) cotton wicks in our soy candles. HTP wicks are designed to curl as they get too long. Use this as a reminder to trim your wick before relighting. Wicks are designed to be trimmed to half a centimetre before each burn. Natural wicks are fragile, so please be very careful not to damage your wick when trimming. We recommend extinguishing using a wick dipper. To properly extinguish your candles dip burning wicks into the melt pool then bring them back to their upright position (You can purchase wick dippers for this purpose). This will create much less smoke! Don't trim your wick until the wax is completely cool.
To get the maximum burn time from your candles, please follow these tips
Burn Rules
- The first time you burn your candle, make sure you will be home for a minimum of 2-3 of hours. It is important during the first burn to completely melt the top of your candle, right to the edge of the glass, creating a nice burn pool. This provides the candle with its memory. If you extinguish your candle before the top has fully melted it will tunnel downwards during future burns, losing you precious burn hours. A full burn pool also gives the best fragrance release.
- To extinguish your candle, use a wick dipper to dip the wick into the melted wax (alternatively, you can use anything that is NOT flammable, like a spoon) to ensure it is completely snuffed out. This also strengthens the wick when it's not in use, and helps it to relight again. Be sure to center the wick afterward.
- Trim Your Wicks! Before relighting your candle each time, trim off and remove the burnt wick, leaving 5-6mm (1/4") above the solid wax for relighting. This can be done with your fingers, or with a wick trimmer. A long wick will cause your candle to smoke, leave soot, flicker unevenly, and the wax may burn unevenly. If the wicks are not trimmed properly, soot may form from carbon build up on the wick.
- Don't burn your candles for longer than 4 hours at a time.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Always keep a burning candle within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room, and before going to sleep.
- Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.
- Be sure your candle is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface. This will also help prevent possible heat damage to counters and table surfaces, and prevent glass containers from cracking or breaking.
- Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans and air currents. This will help prevent rapid, uneven burning, and avoid flame flare-ups and sooting. Drafts can also blow lightweight curtains or papers into the flame where they could catch fire.
- Never burn your candle to the bottom of the container. If there is no wax left you are just burning glass and hot glass can shatter. We know you want to get the most our of your candle but its better to be safe than sorry and leave a little bit of wax rather than burning it all the way to the bottom.
Shipping
What countries do you ship to?
We currently ship all products within New Zealand only. Unfortunately, we are unable to ship perfumes or diffusers overseas due to regulations classifying them as "dangerous goods." However, we do offer shipping for select products to Australia.
How long will it take to receive my order?
We strive to process and dispatch all orders on the same day they are received. However, please note that courier times may vary depending on factors beyond our control. You will be provided with a tracking number via email once your order is shipped, allowing you to monitor its progress.
Do you provide tracking?
To provide peace of mind and ensure the visibility of your order's journey, all our shipments are tracked. You will receive a tracking link via email, which you can use to monitor the status of your package.